Year 1531 A.F. | Late Summer
Imperial Academy of Aurelion — Western Quadrant
The Imperial Academy rose like a fortress of marble and discipline, its banners marking not lineage—but potential.
Here, princes trained beside bastards.
Here, titles mattered less than talent.
And here, Prince Darius Solvanyr came into his own.
....
Prince Darius Solvanyr
Prince Darius Solvanyr lowered his practice blade, sweat tracing a line down his temple.
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"Again."
His opponent groaned.
....
Kael Morvain (Legitimate Son)
Kael Morvain, second son of Duke Edric Morvain, rolled his shoulder.
Kael Morvain
"You're enjoying this too much."
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"You hesitated."
Kael Morvain
"You don't."
They reset.
Steel rang.
....
Lyra Valcaryn (Legitimate Daughter)
From the sidelines, Lyra Valcaryn, niece of Duke Alaric Valcaryn, crossed her arms.
Lyra Valcaryn
"You're both predictable."
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"You say that from safety."
Lyra Valcaryn
"I say that because I'd have ended it already."
Kael snorted.
Kael Morvain
"Threats from someone who favors spellcraft."
Lyra Valcaryn
"Efficiency, not favoritism."
....
Rhett Kaelthorn (Illegitimate Son)
Leaning against a pillar was Rhett, acknowledged bastard of Duke Tharion Kaelthorn.
Rhett Kaelthorn
"If either of you used terrain, this would've been over."
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"You volunteer?"
Rhett smiled thinly.
Rhett Kaelthorn
"Always."
They sparred briefly — fast, sharp, efficient.
....
Serena Volthis (Illegitimate Daughter)
Watching carefully was Serena Volthis, illegitimate daughter of a high count, permitted by special writ.
Serena Volthis
"You rely on authority, not awareness."
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"Say that again."
Serena Volthis
"You expect people to follow because you're a Solvanyr."
A pause.
Then Darius nodded.
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"Fair."
Kael blinked.
Kael Morvain
"Did the prince just accept criticism?"
Lyra Valcaryn
"That's why people follow him."
....
Cassel Dorn (Commoner Prodigy)
Cassel Dorn, no title, no house, spoke while cleaning his blade.
Cassel Dorn
"Word is the Crown Prince may marry an elf."
The group stilled.
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"News travels fast."
Rhett Kaelthorn
"You worried?"
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"No."
Serena Volthis
"You should be. Courts change when queens arrive."
Lyra Valcaryn
"Especially elven ones."
Darius considered that.
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"Then we adapt."
....
Quiet Moment
They sat together on the academy steps as the sun dipped.
No titles.
No hierarchy.
Just future leaders, forged side by side.
Kael Morvain
"No matter what happens at court… this place stays the same."
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"No."
He looked at them all.
Prince Darius Solvanyr
"This place is where the Empire truly begins."
They said nothing — because they understood.